News

As I write this in early December, this President is feeling little discombobulated this holiday season! Does this sound familiar to any of you? As I madly knit on projects for gifts, I'm trying to focus on my blessings and positive thoughts. I am blessed with many good friends, and I count all you knitters among them. I wish I could knit more hours than are available, and even in my sleep.

What a busy summer we had! We survived heat, humidity, rain and mosquitoes. I'm sure that our knitting has played a big part in our survival. If you haven't been knitting, it's time to get back at it. It's time to get those projects finished and start on Holiday knitting. And time to plan to attend the especially Textile Center's Holiday Exhibit and Sale, which open on November 1 and runs through December 23. Great handmade items for holiday giving.

This quarter [summer 2002], the Minnesota Knitters' Guild provided yarn and plastic needles to support groups at the Minnesota Correctional Facility for Women at Shakopee, which houses about 370 women.

Delores Host, Shakopee's work-assignment coordinator, tells us that women at Shakopee spend anywhere between 15 and 40 hours per week taking classes and/or working. They can learn office skills, become computer literate, study toward a GED, or work as a cook, library clerk, dishwasher, housekeeper, or industrial worker, among other opportunities. They are paid 25 cents to 50 cents per hour.

My 93-year-old grandmother is my handcraft hero, so it is fitting that I found this little book at an antique shop visit made during the trek along the St. Croix Valley, from her home to mine. It is a slim red hardcover volume (only 68 pages), perfect in condition, originally owned by Ester Nyström At $12 it seemed a bit expensive, but I could not resist this gem with its extensive directions for constructing and using spool knitters, many little patterns, and charming old photographs.

This winter I cast-on some Regia sock yarn, intending to make myself some colorful socks. To avoid SSS ("second sock syndrome") a sad disorder which prevents completion of the second sock in a pair after finishing the first, resulting in the production of many lonely, single socks), I typically work socks in tandem. I knit the first sock to the ankle, then cast on the second sock using another set of needles, complete it to the ankle and finish the heel. Then pick up sock #1, complete heel and the foot. On sock#2 complete foot and toes, and finally complete the toe of sock #1. Both done at the same time!

After the tremendous response to knitting for the babies of Hennepin County Medical Center at our February 19 Guild meeting, why not keep knitting for babies and young children? Project Linus is looking for volunteer knitters to make blankets to be given to seriously ill or traumatized children.

Get the most out of your love of knitting! Membership benefits include pre-registration for Yarnover, a subscription to our quarterly Cable Gram, organized public service projects and camaraderie with fellow knitters. Annual dues are $30.